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A Luxury Wellness Retreat in the Italian Countryside at Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA in Sicily

Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA by MIRA Hotels

One of the most charming hotel resorts in the South-East of Sicily 2022: Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA

About The Location

In mid-June, I went for the first time ever to a beautiful and historic island in the south of Italy. Sicily is in fact the biggest Italian Island. Sicily is famous for its beautiful cathedrals, lemon groves, vineyards, island beaches, and amazing architecture. Indeed, two of the most known landmarks are the Palermo Opera House and UNESCO Baroque church in Noto. Noto was quite close to where I stayed, and we went to visit this Sicilian city which is famous for its rich historical architectural heritage. Indeed, Noto has been hailed by Condé Nast Traveller as Sicily’s Hidden Gem.

Why so? Well, it is known as Sicily’s Capital of Baroque. Each and every building structure has its own unique and intricate design lavish churches, private palaces, and public buildings are all beautifully built. It is a true dream for those who love that époque as well as a good plate of pasta.

Sicily is also famous for those who love a good hike. It has super trekking routes, with the legendary Mount Etna Volcano being one of the most popular places to go. There are also incredible archeological and historical sites like the Valley of the Temples, the Segesta Temple, and the Baroque town of Noto.

This rich heritage is because Sicily has been home to many ancient civilizations: from the Greeks to the Romans and the Ottoman Empire, this island in the Mediterranean Sea was a real melting pot of history and culture. So needless to say, Sicily had been on my list of places to go for quite some time and I was delighted to be able to visit Italy once again this summer. During my stay, I was hosted by the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa which is a 5-star hotel just between Syracuse and Noto.

Getting to­ Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA – and Beyond It

There are two main airports in Sicily: Palermo and Catania. I recommend flying into Catania as it is just over an hour from the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA. For this, you can either rent a car or organize a transfer which is super easy to do from the airport. I opted for a private transfer (SunTransfers was the name of the company), as I had used it beforehand when traveling in Saint Tropez, so I knew it was trustworthy and efficient. I made sure to do the whole coordination before flying, especially as my flight was at an ungodly hour, so I would not need to think too hard about how, when, where, and what not once I landed in Sicily.

Located in the south-eastern part of Sicily, you will find Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort, nestled just 12 km from the sea. It is situated between 2 beautiful and historically rich cities: Siracusa (or Syracuse) and Noto.

Mira’s Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA is in a rural area. Surrounded by citrus orchards and olive trees, this Golf Resort is one of the top picks when it comes to looking for the best luxury hotels in Sicily.

After a little over an hour of driving through the beautiful Italian countryside, we passed through a neat row of trees that lined each side of the road and then pulled up to the hotel’s private parking. We were then greeted by the hotel concierge who (given the early hour) invited us to discover the breakfast buffet and a cup of strong Italian coffee. We gladly accepted this offer and walked through the white, cool corridors and down a passageway to the breakfast room.

About The Hotel: Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa

A 5-star hotel in the secluded Syracuse outback, Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals. It promises a unique stay in the rural area surrounded by citrus and olive groves. Perfect for nature lovers: The villa is a tranquil oasis, with plenty of greenery surrounding the grounds and an 18-hole golf course to really bring the villa to life. So if you’re looking for an authentic Sicilian villa and plenty of gardens to relax and unwind in, you’ll find just that at this beautiful hotel.

Before becoming a hotel, it was in fact an ancient Benedictine monastery. In 2012 it was transformed into a 5-star hotel. It has all the characteristics of a Roman farm villa and offers elegantly decorated and modern common areas.

The entrance hall is large and leads off to different areas including a beautiful patio with a panoramic terrace where guests can relax with a glass of good wine.

About The Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Hotel Rooms

We were led to our room which was situated in the courtyard right next to a ripe apricot tree. Our room was furnished in a modern sophisticated manner. As you entered the room there was a large wooden desk and cabinet filled with water and coffee. There was also a sofa seating area which was just next to a sliding door. Behind which was a beautiful large walk-in wardrobe that led you through to the large bathroom. Cream white interiors with dark wood floors, the room was tranquil and elegant. It has a staircase that led up to a mezzanine where there was a plush bed, another built-in wardrobe, and a bathroom, both the upstairs and downstairs had showers. The room felt like the perfect, cool refuge from the Sicilian sun.

The hotel has a total of 102 rooms, located in different buildings, divided into the following sections:

  • Superior – 35 m2, double or single bed, with a view of the golf or the garden view
  • Premium Borgo – 35 m2, double bed, with a golf view
  • Deluxe Villa – 30 m2, double bed, located inside the old monastery.
  • Junior Suite – 35 m2, double bed, view of the ancient inner courtyards.
  • Suite – 60 m2, double bed, view of the courtyards of the old monastery.

The Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Breakfast Buffet

At the restaurant Sala Laghetto guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are only a la carte with Mediterranean cuisine. Special menus for vegetarians and coeliacs are available on request. We actually had breakfast in the room the second day, which I would highly recommend. A large platter is brought to your room on a golf caddie, laden with fresh fruits (including one of my all-time favorites: papaya!), scrambled eggs, cheeses, salmon, and bread. Along with fresh juice and Italian coffee to ensure that we started the day off in the best possible way.

About the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Services & Activities: The Spa, Golf & Swimming Pool

With two outdoor swimming pools that are interconnected and a large spa, the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind. I performed enjoyed the pool area as they had very comfortable lounge beds so you could laze around the water.

You can also relax at the full-service Zàgara spa, and enjoy their massages, body treatments, and facials. Designed in 2013 by the architect Simone Micheli. The spa is spread over 300 square meters and it is divided into different areas: Turkish bath, emotional shower, sauna, Jacuzzi, relaxation area, 5 cabins equipped for personalized wellness treatments and a salt room.

The sun-drenched golf course is certainly one of the main highlights of the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort: it is set in 86 hectares of orange and lemon trees and immersed in lush Mediterranean vegetation, with mandarins, lemons, and figs. It is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course of 6,250 meters and was designed by David Mezzacane (president of the Italian Association of Golf Course Architects) and Vincenzo Mazzacane. There is also a pro-shop, where you can get all the necessary equipment for golfing, changing rooms and lockers.

What is more, they offer golf lessons on-site at the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort. So we headed to the driving range of the golf course which has 40 stations and putting greens after a little dip in the swimming pool.

Now, these are not your average golf lessons as your instructor is an expert with an incredible professional journey. The golf lesson was with the professional Italian golfer Anna Nistri, who is the winner of three Italian Championships and her career includes 15 years in the Italian national team, and 2 years of the European tour. She is on the Emilia Romagna Regional Committee.

Other services that the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort offers include horseback riding, diving, and sailing excursions in the surrounding area, upon request.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA is truly a place to escape from everyday life and relax in the lush, Sicilian vegetation. Picking apricots straight from the tree and enjoying them, the swimming pool area and golf lessons were certainly one of the highlights for me.

For more information visit:

https://www.imonasterigolfresort.com/en-GB

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Petasos Beach Resort & Spa in Mykonos: A Dreamy Destination for Luxury Lovers

Petasos Beach Resort & Spa in Mykonos: A Dreamy Destination for Luxury Lovers

A TRENDY DESTINATION IN MYKONOS. IN THIS ARTICLE I INTRODUCE YOU TO THE PETASOS BEACH RESORT & SPA – THE ULTIMATE HOTEL EXPERIENCE

Petasos Beach Resort & Spa in Mykonos – A luxurious boutique hotel ideally situated on the Greek Island

One of the best hotels in Mykonos, Petasos Beach Resort stands on its own private peninsula. This hotel is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Ideally situated between Platis Yialos and Psarou Beach in Mykonos Island. The luxury hotel is just under a 20-minute drive from the charming main town of Chora, more commonly known as Mykonos Town. The hotel also offers airport transport by private shuttle, or you can book one of the 30 taxis available on the island. In short, the hotel location is fantastic and super central. The Petasos Beach Resort includes a large spa & wellness center, a fitness center, and a 2-level, saltwater swimming pool with a waterfall as well as direct access to the sea. With my fellow travel companion, luxury blogger, and longtime friend, Stephanie Olivier, we had the pleasure of discovering one of the coolest hotels in Mykonos together.

Mykonos Island: About The Location

Mykonos is a beautiful Greek Island that offers luxury, history, exquisite cuisine, shimmering sea shores, and amazing beach clubs. It is known as The Island of the Wind. The island is located in the Cycladic region of the beautiful Aegean Sea. Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan European hot spot destinations in the summertime. The world elite can be met here. The Greek Island counts hundreds of credits by the international press. Mykonos has some of the most beautiful beaches as well as picturesque villages. It is a much-loved vacation hideaway for the jet-set crowd as well as being a fabulous destination for luxury lovers with a penchant for the bohemian lifestyle.

The greek island is known most famously as a party destination. Celebrities, models (including Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner, Gigi, and Bella Hadid), football players, actors, and high flyers all flock to the island each summer to soak up the sunshine, dance on mega yachts, and swim in the crystal blue sea. Indeed, even during our stay at Petasos, hotel guests included a British football player and several models. Moreover, Mykonos island was recently the backdrop for the latest Fendi campaign for this summer. So needless to say, luxury runs rampant throughout the island. This said Mykonos is also the perfect location if you want a quiet vacation in a chic hotel lounging by the sea and enjoying a wellness retreat.

Our Experience in Mykonos

This was not my first time visiting the Greek island. I actually went the first time when I was very small, about 7 or 6 years old with my family in the very early 2000s. This was back when the island was still a wild, untouched raw beauty. Not yet famed for the party-loving lifestyle. Indeed my early memories of Mykonos island were of the Greek donkeys climbing up the rocky mountains. I had since been back a multitude of times in my 20s and had already been to the famous beach clubs such as Scorpios (one of my personal favorites), Nammos, and Principote Mykonos as well as the most popular nightclubs in Mykonos Town, such as Bonbonniere and Astra. Stephanie has been going religiously every year to the island each summer since I met her, so needless to say, we were not strangers to the Myconian way of life. This said I was quite excited to experience the Greek hospitality at the beautiful Petasos Beach Resort & Spa.

We caught a super early flight into Mykonos directly from Geneva. Luckily, our room was already prepared for us and we received and super warm welcome from the friendly Petasos hotel staff. The first thing we did was unpack and settle into our large hotel suite with a fantastic view of the sea. Then we freshened up and headed to the beachfront that is exclusively reserved for hotel guests.

Petasos Beach Resort & Spa

Petasos hotel is well-placed for visiting the better beaches of Mykonos such as Platis Yialos and Psarou Beach as the property is a 2-minute walk from these beaches. Psarou beach is where the famous blue and white beach club NAMMOS Mykonos is located. You can actually see it from the hotel as well. For those who seek a calm oasis of privacy, at Petasos Beach Resort you can enjoy their private beach that is exclusively reserved for their hotel guests.

From the Petasos’ private hotel beach area you can order delicious food from their menu. For example, you can enjoy the Greek specialty which I personally adore, called Caffe Freddo on the seashore. We also ordered fresh fish from their beach club menu.

The location was so dreamy. I loved the pretty red beach beds which were neatly lined in the sand. The whole atmosphere actually reminded me of the Italian Riviera, and in particular Capri Island. I must say, having a private beach was one of my favorite aspects of the hotel.

Prefer the pool? You can also enjoy the day relaxing on the chic loungers by the pool and enjoying their chill music. Right next to the swimming pool are the bar and restaurant; creative fusion gastronomy. There is a jacuzzi and beautiful sun deck area as well. For those who want to stay in shape, there is a small but very nice gym. You can also enjoy one of their yoga classes, and then treat yourself to a massage at the hotel spa (which is exactly what we did after a full day at the beach).

Our first day in Mykonos was spent lounging by the sea at the hotel’s private beach. Then around 5 pm, we headed up to the Petasos Beach Resort & SPA where we had booked a double massage treatment. This deep relaxation was very much needed after our early wake-up call.

Petasos Beach Resort & Spa: The wellness & SPA treatments

The Aqua Marine Spa was located just beneath our hotel suite, so we headed down the stairs into the cool SPA. There we were greeted by the lovely SPA manager, Dora, and made our selection of treatments. The Petasos Beach Resort and Spa offers revitalizing and thalasso-therapy treatments, as well as honeymoon packages.

I opted for a full-body, deep relaxation and Stephanie chose a combined massage. We were both incredibly relaxed after the treatment and slowly went up to our room to get ready for the iconic Myconian evening sunset.

Petasos Beach Resort & Spa: The Hotel Rooms

The luxurious Petasos Beach is like a small village. Lined with the iconic white-washed Myconian buildings, set against the most breathtaking views of the seaside. This architecture is echoed throughout the Cyclades islands, the shapes and colors are inspired by the blue Mediterranean sea and white clouds.

The hotel rooms are decorated in a minimal-chic, modern manner. All of the accommodation options are equipped with Wi-Fi internet access. Deluxe and superior rooms also feature a spa bath and a shower which doubles up as a steam cabin.

The spacious rooms and suites, also come with Jacuzzi options and private outdoor pools in the suites with incredibly beautiful, grand panoramic views. I love the transparent division between the bath and my room. You can sit in your bubble bath and look over the beautiful blue sea in the distance. Of course, it also has blinds which you can shut, for those who want more privacy. Needless to say that I was delighted that they had a little espresso machine in the room, so I could enjoy a quick pick-me-up coffee when needed. Our ensuite room included a beautiful blue and white balcony which overlooked the mega yachts dotted along the coastline. As well as a huge wardrobe which I immediately filled with my many bikinis, beach cover-ups, new “Livia” Thalie Paris bag in Tanzanite Blue and Greek Island attire. I loved that the room had a big, full-sized mirror for us, fashion bloggers, to make sure our outfits were on point. There was also a pretty seating area near the terrace, complete with a white sofa and armchairs for when we wanted to lounge around. With the heat, we also took full advantage of the room’s air conditioning, which could be easily adjusted at all times.

Petasos Beach Resort & Spa: The Breakfast Buffet & Menu

The Petasos Beach Resort and Spa offers an experience at any time and goes far beyond a simple hotel where you rest and relax. There are 2 restaurants within the premises of the Resort, with a great view of the Aegean sea. Each day, we started with a 45-minute session at the hotel gym before heading to their open-air restaurant. I must say, I really enjoyed the options available at the breakfast buffet. I had never seen so many dietary-restricted-friendly options! Including alternative kinds of milk such as soy, coconut, and almond. They also had an incredible array of nut butter, which I had no idea even existed and so I was very curious to try them. The full selection of nut butters included classics like almond and peanut, but there was also cashew, hazel, pumpkin, tahini, and sunflower seed! Each day, I also ordered my favorite almond milk cappuccino for breakfast. And each morning our table was full of fresh fruit, eggs, oatmeal, gluten-free bread, juices, and of course, the unique creamy Greek yogurt with walnuts and honey.

Petasos Beach Resort & Spa: Final Thoughts

It’s not difficult to fall in love with such a dreamy hotel located in beautiful Mykonos. This said my favorite aspects of the hotel were:

  • The incredible Breakfast
  • Private Beach
  • Hotel Spa & personalized treatments
  • Friendly and super helpful Hotel Staff
  • The beautiful Myconian architecture and design of the hotel

If you are looking for a hotel to book in Mykonos, Petasos Beach Resort & Spa is perfect for:

  • Jet-setters and high flyers
  • Foodies
  • A romantic couples getaway
  • Families
  • Friend groups who loves luxury and creature comforts
  • Whilst the Petasos villas are ideal for longer stays as they include a kitchen, private pool, and other facilities
  • And their hotel suites offer all you could want for a weeklong vacation

I hope that you enjoyed my review of this wonderful hotel in Mykonos. Please let me know in the comments if you would also like to visit this place. For more travel articles and hotel reviews please click here.

A huge thanks to everyone at the Petasos Beach Resort & Spa for making our stay so wonderful.

FOR THOSE OF YOU HEADED TO MYKONOS THIS SUMMER:
Here is My Mykonos Guide – Travel Tips by Anna from Luxury Swiss Blogger, A Stylish Story

The Magical Nature of Mykonos, a Gem of the Aegean.

Restaurants to Try:

  • Coya Mykonos
  • Cavo Tagoo Mykonos
  • Sea Satin
  • Jimmyz for the best Souvlaki’s in town

Luxury Beach Clubs in Mykonos that I adore: 

  • Scorpios (on Sundays)
  • Alemagou
  • Principote Mykonos
  • Nammos

Art galleries in Mykonos

  • Eden Gallery
  • HOFA Gallery
  • RARITY Gallery

Night Clubs in Mykonos Town

  • Astra
  • Bonbonniere

Newly opened in Mykonos for Summer 2022: 

  • Lio Mykonos
  • Bagatelle Mykonos (opening on the 10th of June 2022)
  • Billionaire Mykonos – Lifestyle Club
  • Byblos – elevated Peruvian-Japanese Gastronomy
  • Destino Pacha
  • Tabu Mykonos
WHERE TO STAY IN MYKONOS

Petasos Beach Resort and Spa

Platy Yialos, Mikonos 846 00, Grèce

 – T.  +30 2289 023437

– E: ids@petasos.gr

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Feathers & Leather at Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week: Day 2

A green tweed twist on the swinging 60s

Combining my two favorite fashion eras (roaring 20s and the swinging 60s) in one. This tweed green set with knee-high boots is what I wore to the Global Fashion Collective fashion show in Paris as well as the Indonesia – Collective Show that took place at Hôtel The Westin Paris Vendôme.

Although Bella, Stephanie, Julia, and I, all got back to Switzerland last night (super late with our mega huge luggages!) after an intense weekend of traveling for Paris for Fashion Week. I found it really fun and rewarding, so I wanted to share with you some of my favorite moments from this season’s Fashion Week in Paris. Our days were pretty filled up with shows, presentations, meetings, and events. I really felt like we made the most of the days we had and once again the fashion capital captured my heart.

MY PARIS FASHION WEEK LOOK

So I opted for a green tweed suit I found it the weekend right before Fashion Week when I went to Lyon. As Lyon is famous for its textiles I was truly delighted to take home this set with me as a souvenir from the trip. I paired it with a bright green feather-trimmed shirt to add a playful twist and movement to the structured silhouette and a pair of white leather boots. Green and white leather, feathers, and tweed with gold detailing sounds a bit crazy but it tied together nicely I stuck to 2 colors for the whole look. I rocked this outfit for 2 fashion shows (we had zero time to change and were basically on the go all day). I did switch up the sunglasses and my hair between the shows but apart from that, the change was super minimal.

Tweed green set from Zara with feather trim gold details fashion outfit for Paris Fashion week worn by ANNA Blachut A stylish story Fashion style Swiss blogger
Photo: Michael Foust

I am not used to wearing bright colors in my day-to-day and tend to gravitate to a more sober color palette (especially in Geneva), but this bright green tweed set caught my attention. The immediate association one makes between tweed sets and the French fashion house Chanel, was definitely a factor that lead to my instant crush on it, as well as the fresh green which reminded me of springtime. I framed the tweed green set with a long bottle green trench and white boots. Topping it off with my favorite part of this outfit which was the beautiful deep green handbag I was gifted from the Parisian brand THALIE. The “Livia” shape is so unique and incredibly practical (I managed to fit so much in it!) whilst remaining extremely chic. THALIE is a French brand that creates beautiful sustainable & vegan luxury handbags. They have bags made of cactus, a low impact alter leather, and the one I am wearing here is made of ICTYOS Squama Luxe, a French marine leather made of recycled salmon skin. The brand was present at Premiere Classe – the biannual leading hub for the fashion accessory market for over 30 years organized by WSN Development.

Green feather tweed outfit at Paris Fashion Week ANNA Blachut Swiss luxury blogger
Green feather tweed outfit at Paris Fashion Week ANNA Blachut Swiss luxury blogger missguided green leather coat white boots style fashion week outfit
Photos: Michael Foust

ABOUT THE FASHION SHOWS

The location of the first show was tucked away in a passage in the 9th (which is actually the area I had my fashion illustration classes back in the day!). Once past security, and several flights of stairs we found ourselves in LE SALON DES MIROIRS, a large space filled with photographers, press (including Vogue!), and fashion industry insiders. The show opened with the designer IANN DEY followed by MUVEMENT and BLUE TAMBURIN.

Next, we ran to The Westin located in the 1st Arrondissement where we were invited to the the Indonesia – Collective Fashion Show. It was a fabulous selection of 12 up-and-coming designers from Indonesia and Singapore. In association with Fashion Division Paris and supported by the minister of culture and ambassador of Indonesia the show was punctuated with speeches from each of the respective parties. Aiming to empower creative South East Asian talent into strong responsible brands of the future. It showcased their AW22 collections which included Harry Halim, AKSU, PURANA, VAR ERTE, Carol Chen (my personal favorite), Adisza Kahanasty, AM by Anggia, Hanyutan, Adraworld x HMNS, and Elima.

Afterward in the hotel corridors, we bumped into Marta Sierra, a Barcelona-based blogger who is one of my absolute favorite fashion influencers (1M on Instagram and often works with Coco Rocha) who had also been at the same show. A little later on, we also ran into the whole Valentino team. The iconic luxury Italian fashion brand had a corporate internal brand summit taking place that same day at the Westin hotel. The cherry on top for me that evening was when one of the Valentino team members nodded in approval, before complimenting me on my outfit. A definite pinch-me moment.

Marta Sierra and ANNA Blachut a stylish story fashion bloggers at Paris Fashion Week official show backstage jacquemus cult Gaia feather and leather look

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

  • BAG: THALIE
  • TWEED SET & SHIRT: Zara
  • SHOES: Marni
  • TRENCH: Missguided
  • MAKEUP: Urban Decay
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Power Suits & Pops of Color at Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week: Day 1

We boarded the train early on Friday to be able to zip to the hotel freshen up and change before the first fashion show at 2 pm.

ABOUT THE LOOK

Bold prints paired with hot pink

The look I opted for was a modern take on power suits. A two-piece suit (the model of this suit is actually called Anna!). That featured a big checkered print all over it from the Danish brand Coster Copenhagen. The tailored suit in itself was quite a statement and I decided to add a youthful spin on it with a playful pop of hot pink accessories.

ABOUT THE FASHION SHOWS

The first show was Tiffany Brown, presented inside Palais de Tokyo, Europe’s largest center for contemporary creation. Many of the shows from big established industry players to new up-and-coming designers host their fashion shows’ each season in the Palais as it is one of the official partners of the Federation de La Haute Couture. The Tiffany Brown show was the designer’s third fashion show in Paris. It was a playful parade of diverse silhouettes in different shades of brown. The collection celebrated women, this was echoed through the styling of the models whose natural beauty, skin, and hair were enhanced rather than made up. Adding a touch of freshness and youth to the collection. Whilst Tiffany Brown insured a forward-thinking and modern take on the textiles by opting for vegan leather and fake fur as conscious alternatives for her new collection. What’s more Tiffany Brown will be opening two stores during the year, one in Soho this summer 2022 and one in Paris this fall 2022.

Paris Fashion Week at Palais de Tokyo Swiss Bloggers ANNA Blachut photo of runway Tiffany Brown fashion show
Paris Fashion Week at Palais de Tokyo Swiss Bloggers ANNA Blachut and Stephanie Olivier at the Tiffany Brown fashion show
Paris Fashion Week at Palais de Tokyo Swiss Bloggers ANNA Blachut and Bella Zofia at the Tiffany Brown fashion show

The next show we went to also took place in the Palais de Tokyo. For this one, we headed to a lower alcove where we watched the debut collection of Sheltersuit Label. Sheltersuit Label creates bold, durable, and unique clothing. Made from luxury upcycled deadstock materials, Sheltersuit Label products are designed to protect the wearer and protect people sleeping rough since a part of the revenue generated by Sheltersuit Label will support the Sheltersuit Foundation. The show opened with harrowing real-life recounts of homeless whose voices are so seldom heard. Before the models stomped around a large pile of original Shelterbags that had been stacked in the center of the runway. The Shelterbags was the centerpiece of the show as they act as a portable tent, a sheltered bed that rolls up into a bag. It comes with a built-in mattress and a pillow. The Shelterbag is waterproof and lightweight. The full collection consisted of 20 looks and over 60 pieces ranging from jeans and t-shirts to warm winter jackets.

I really loved the concept of this show, created by Bas Timmer. The designer collaborates with prestigious luxury brands including the French fashion house Chloé on this innovative fashion concept. Other notable industry members who are part of the project include RE/DONE, Lisa Konno, Gabriela Hearst, TenCate Outdoor Fabrics, Atelier Néerlandais, Cosi Tutti, Coebergh, Studio Joris de Groot, and Lucien Pages. The new Sheltersuit collection will be available in Autumn 2022.

Sheltersuit Label Debut Collection at Paris Fashion Week

ABOUT THE LOOK

Slinky Silver & a Pop of Green at the Ritz

After that, we rushed back to the hotel for a quick outfit change for the last two fashion shows which were to take place at the Ritz. As it was an event that would go until the evening, for this occasion I slid into a pair of huge velvet platforms, a long black jumpsuit and threw on a sparkling jacket before carefully packing all my essentials my beautiful new deep green THALIE bag.

As we whizzed over to the Place de Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement, I dabbed on some Lancôme’s mini red lipstick to add a bit of oomph to my look à la Française. I always have this mini red lipstick handy with me as it is great for on-the-go glam-ups. And let me tell you is one of those easy hacks to go from day to night in a flash!

ABOUT THE SHOW

At the Ritz, the collections presented included the designers’ Cedi Collection, Felicious, Jessica Jane, and Miashan. One of my favorite collections was Jessica Jane, which featured sequins and stripes, embroidery and flowing fabrics as well as the playful use of Toile de Jouy integrated into modern cuts such as a two-piece tracksuit.

The location was wonderful and I had never been inside the Ritz in Paris before so it was really exciting to roam around the hotel that Coco Chanel had once called home for 34 years and of which I had read so much about.

It was a lovely first day and although I was pretty exhausted by the end of it I was also so happy with how much we had been able to do in one day!

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

  • Suit: Coster Copenhagen
  • Mini Bag: Jacquemus
  • Shoes: Bershka
  • Pink Coat: Vintage from my stylish Grandma’s collection
  • Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury

OUTFIT OF THE NIGHT

  • Jumpsuit: Zara
  • Silver Jacket: Vintage
  • Coat: Missguided
  • Heels: Mango
  • Bag: THALIE
  • Makeup: Too Faced & Lancôme
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Coeur De Megève: A magnificent mountain destination for Chalet-chic seekers

Just before Christmas, I had the pleasure of discovering the Hotel Coeur de Megève with Bella Zofia. Megève shines at the top of the list of the most beautiful ski resorts in France. We went up to is the famous ski resort village, which I was very excited about, as it was the first time I was venturing to this Jet Set ski location. We arrived at midday at the charming boutique hotel located in the center of the village and headed inside to discover the Cœur de Megève.

ABOUT THE HOTEL

Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, in the jet-set winter destination, the Coeur de Megève is a boutique hotel located in the center of the village of a Megève. Right next to the Ladurée tea shop. The hotel had a beautiful wooden exterior. The interior was decorated with warm oak brown tones and oranges, punctuated with soft alpine accents like soft white throws.

The festive spirit was in full swing in the mountain village, decked with Christmas lights and trees. The snowy roofed scenery, horse-drawn carriages, and blazing log fires definitely added to the ambiance. Situated on Rue Charles Feige, near the emblematic church of the ski resort, and was rebranded as a brand new boutique hotel, decorated in understated luxury, and it continues to be the rendezvous of regulars and welcomes new clients from all over.

Owned by the same family for three generations, the iconic hotel in the center of Megève has been taken over by Martine Kampf and her sons Jean Bastien and Maxence Dussart. While keeping the family and friendly character of the old house and preserving its poetic name “Coeur de Megève”, it has undergone a complete renovation led by the interior designer Sybille de Margerie. She is a prestigious interior designer who has created, among others, the Mandarin Oriental in Paris and Geneva, the Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, and the brand new Barthélémy in Saint Barth.

The hotel has 39 rooms, which are each styled with warm fabrics and walnut wood, and vintage chalet touches. There are 8 room categories available, ranging from Cosy, Comfort, Superior, Superior with Terrace, Duplex Junior Suite, Junior Suite, Family Suite, and Suite. All the rooms have a safe, a tea and coffee machine, bathrobes and towels, Grown Alchemist bath amenities (which smell amazing!).

The hotel also has a restaurant, Tata Harper SPA, a cocktail bar, a cozy lounge, and a super mulled wine and hot chocolate station just outside the hotel.

We received a warm welcome from Nicholas Granger, the General Manager of the Hotel Cœur de Megève. Who ensured we were well taken care of during our stay.

THE ROOM

We headed up to our room which I discovered had a glorious, sunlit terrace that looked over the bell tower and the river. It was absolutely beautiful.

Inside the room, we discovered a beautiful handwritten welcome note and gifts to welcome us from the hotel. The room itself was decorated with paneled wood with soft sage green and deep red notes, offset with copper accents. Matching the style we had seen throughout the hotel, the interior decoration truly added to the concept of a warm heart beating in the center of the village. A cocoon of welcoming warmth sharply contrasting with the bitter cold outside.

The room also had an en-suite bathroom that was very spacious with a double washbasin, an enormous bath(!) and was fully equipped with Grown Alchemist beauty products. This is part of their eco-responsible hotel initiative. These products are free from parabens and artificial colorings. The organic cosmetics brand Grown Alchemist in the bathrooms, can be found throughout the hotel and even the Spa partner, Tata Harper reflects this conscious decision for eco-responsibility.

After unpacking, we enjoyed a light lunch in the restaurant Le Cœur. What was great about the restaurant is that the hotel chooses only seasonal products, and also favors local producers. I opted for their Pumpkin soup with chestnut cream and parmesan crumble. After lunch, we headed out to explore the snowy town.

TATA HARPER SPA

At 4 pm I had a SPA treatment booked back at the hotel. I was very much looking forward to it as the Cœur de Megève Hotel Spa was by the famous American beauty brand Tata Harper. Pioneers in luxury skincare and known for their unique high-quality products made of condensed, pure active ingredients, free from any synthetic components. I chose one of the cocooning rituals for the body, which was very relaxing. The Spa also included a Finnish sauna and a sensory shower.

DINNER & DRINKS

Then we got ready for our aperitif at 6 pm, for this, I wore a soft velvet jumpsuit and a silver Maje jacket with black velvet trim and my Le Chiquito black Jacquemus bag. Decked out in French fashion brands I was Chalet chic and ready for an après-ski evening. We headed down the brushed walnut wood floors and over to the Terrace – a heated and covered bar area outside where we sank down into thick leather armchairs and ordered some light snacks and a cocktail. The ambiance was cozy and chic, with a dusky red light that added warmth to the terrace.

After dinner, we sat by the fire in the Lounge areas to round up the evening with some festive songs like Santa Baby before bundling ourselves up and getting ready for a brisk evening walk. This was a great decision as we got to see the mountain village by night. And as it was a couple of days before Christmas everything was lit up and we even came across “The Love Keepers” – a triptych of monumental sculptures sunken into the snow in downtown Megève, created by the artist Chinikov. After our walk, I ran myself a big bubble bath before sliding into my super soft velvet and satin night set from Etam and tucking in for the night.

BREAKFAST IN BED

In the morning we had the most splendid weather. Sunshine was blazing across the terrace and we took the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed. That included fresh juices, French croissants, eggs Benedict, fruits and lots of coffee.

FINAL THOUGHTS & THANKS

A huge thank you to all the staff at the Cœur de Megève, especially Mr. Granger, for a truly warm welcome and wonderful stay. As well as PR & Co, and Virginie, for making this possible.

Then we headed up the mountain for a quick tour before making our way back to Geneva.

I truly loved everything about my first stay in Megève at the hotel cœur de Megève and highly recommend it if you plan a trip to the alps.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Hôtel le Coeur de Megève
44 rue Charles Feige
74120 Megève
+33 (0)4 50 21 25 30
hello@coeurdemegeve.com

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A LUXURY ESCAPE IN PARIS at Le Dokhan’s boutique hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower

Le Dokhan’s, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris is the perfect place to stay during Paris Fashion Week.

I visited Le Dokhan’s a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in October, during famous Paris Fashion Week and I couldn’t recommend this luxury hotel enough…

About Le Dokhan’s Boutique Hotel in Paris

The hotel itself is situated in my favorite area of Paris: the iconic 16eme arrondissement, located across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower in the southwest corner of Paris. This prestigious area is home to many foreign embassies and renowned museums, including the Fondation Louis Vuitton and the Palais de Tokyo which was one of the major hubs during this year’s SS21 Fashion Week. So it was an ideal location for Marzena, Bella and I, as the hotel was within walking distance from several of the main fashion week events we went to. It was so amazing as we were close to everything. Although we were not so lucky with the weather, Paris in the rain is dreamy and poetic in its own way. What’s more, the hotel was well stocked with big sturdy umbrellas at the entrance for hotel guests which was super practical.

This Parisian boutique hotel dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Le Dokhan’s offers 45 chic guest rooms, including 4 suites, that are accessible by a famous Louis Vuitton elevator created from old Louis Vuitton trunks. The hotel is highlighted by authentic works of art by Matisse and Picasso and the delicate scent of their custom-made fragrance.

It is a truly elegant hotel reminiscent of Belle Époque that is part of the Marriott Bonvoy. Indeed every element of the hotel is thoughtfully considered and utterly original including the parquet floors and wainscoting from a 17th-century château. Each of their guest rooms is individually decorated by the famous French interior decorator Frédéric Méchiche in a neoclassical style.

About Our Room: The Eiffel Tower Suite

The Eiffel suite we stayed in had the most breathtaking view of the iconic Parisian landmark. Equipped with a walk-in closet to accommodate all our Paris Fashion Week outfits and a jacuzzi bath to relax in after a hectic day filled with fashion shows and presentations.

This double room was ideal for Marzena, Bella, and I during fashion week as it had two full double beds, a Nespresso coffee machine and plenty of storage space.

The room details were all carefully considered, even the coffee table books including one from Veuve Cliquot, were on brand. Another amazing aspect of our room was that it had so many full-length mirrors which were great as we were three girls that needed to change a fair few times between the fashion shows. What I also loved about our room was the large marble bathroom that had a wonderful skylight window which was perfect for doing makeup. Stocked with fluffy bathrobes, hotel slippers, and premium Carita amenities.

The first champagne bar in Paris

A truly unique part of Le Dokhan’s a Tribute Portfolio Hotel was their champagne bar. In fact, Le Dokhan, is the first champagne bar in Paris, where Sommelier Matthias Breton created the city’s largest champagne menu with 240 choices including well-known names including Dom Pérignon and Moët-Hennessy as well as family estates little-known to the general public.

They also offer daily champagne-tasting events in the evenings, which we had the pleasure of discovering on our first evening of Paris Fashion Week. It was such an elegant and glamorous setting with candle lighting dancing around the room. It was the perfect way to start our evening. The hotel concierge kindly made a restaurant reservation for us that was just a stone’s throw away from the hotel which was super considerate and convenient.

What is more, the champagne bar transforms into the hotel breakfast room in the morning. Breakfast a la carte is served daily from 7.00 am until 10.30 am (and 11.00 am on weekends).

Breakfast with an unforgettable view of Paris

The room had beautiful views of the Parisian skyline, punctuated by the Eiffel Tower. So on our last day in Paris, we started the morning in style and enjoyed breakfast in bed whilst looking at the beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower from our hotel room. We had lots of delicious coffee, poached eggs, and fresh orange juice and the staff was so attentive about our food preferences providing us with gluten-free options and milk alternatives as well. I must say the hotel staff all went above and beyond in terms of hospitality and made sure we were comfortable and well tended to.

I love how central the hotel is and the staff was so helpful, kind, and professional. If you’re planning your next stay in Paris, then definitely try to get one of the rooms that face the Eiffel Tower. You won’t ever want to wake up any other way…

A Stylish Story

Your luxury lifestyle blogger from Geneva